The Bradford Air Cadets Have Arrived!
The Unit is sponsored by Branch 521 Royal Canadian Legion in Bradford and is forming due to the work and perseverance of several of the members of the Legion. The Sponsoring Committee will be comprised of Legion members and local volunteers who will be working with the Ontario Provincial Committee of the Air Cadet League of Canada.
The Cadets will be supervised and trained by members of the Canadian Forces and local Civilian Volunteers who are committed to providing the best possible program for the youth of Bradford West Gwillimbury and the surrounding area. The Commanding Officer and his officer team have decades of experience at several of the top units in Ontario and are excited to bring their experience to the province’s newest cadet program!
During the early part of 2018, the Bradford Legion began the process of forming a new air cadet squadron in Bradford. During that time, Major Stephen Case, CD was approached to act as the unit’s commanding officer. He was able to staff up the proposed unit with Captain Rosanne Case, CD, Captain Jennifer Johnson, CD and Captain J-P Johnson, CD.
Because of the size of Bradford, and the proximity to Newmarket, it was decided that the unit would stand up as a satellite of 94 Newmarket Squadron as 37 Bradford Flight with Major Case as the Officer Commanding.
The flight recruited cadets and successfully completed the 2018-2019 training year. On 19 August 2019, 37 Flight became 37 Orville Hand Squadron with Major Case becoming the first Commanding Officer of the new Squadron.
The 2019-2020 training year was interrupted by the COVID -19 lockdowns however, the squadron moved online for the 2020-2021 and most of the 2021-2022 training year. We returned to in-person training in the spring of 2022.
In October 2021, Capt. Lynda Holowatyj, CD succeeded Major Case as CO of 37 Squadron.
37 Orville Hand Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron was presented their Charter at their 2022 Annual Ceremonial Review on 2 June 2022.
On 30 June 2023 Major Darren Hodskins, CD succeeded Capt. Holowatyj as CO of 37 Squadron
On 10 October 2024, during Cadet Week, the Squadron unveiled its new Squadron Banner.
From Cadets.ca
Royal Canadian Air Cadets participate in a variety of fun and challenging activities. There is something for everyone – no matter what their personal interests may be. The outdoor enthusiast will appreciate learning survival skills for flight crew. The athlete will appreciate physical education and recreation, including a variety of sporting activities like biathlon and Olympic-style marksmanship. The artists will find their niche in the music program.
The curious will appreciate the hands-on activities such as building model aircraft. The scholarly will appreciate an introduction to the various tools and technologies linked to aviation. The dreamers will appreciate the evolution of technology and the advancements of the aerospace era, including the importance of Canadian participation.
Select top senior cadets may even earn the chance to represent Canada on the world stage by participating in an international exchange.
Most importantly, Air Cadets aids in developing knowledge of Canadian history and democracy. The cadet program focuses on social development, decision-making and leadership. As cadets acquire skills and knowledge, they pass it along to younger cadets.
Every cadet will have the chance to participate in flight activities, and some top senior cadets may even earn a scholarship to obtain their private pilot’s licence. Whether earning a glider pilot licence or private pilot licence, these cadets wear their wings with a pride rarely found in today’s youth.
Contact Us
CO of 37 Orville Hand Squadron
C/O Royal Canadian Legion Branch 521
115 Back Street
Bradford West Gwillimbury, ON
L3Z 1W8
DISCLAIMER
This is an unofficial cadet website that is not intended to represent in any way the policies or procedures of either the Department of National Defense, the Canadian Armed Forces or the Cadet Leagues of Canada. This is not a Canadian Armed Forces website. The website is maintained on behalf 37 Orville Hand Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron. This website is intended for use by the cadets and parents of the 37 Orville Hand Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron, and prospective cadets and their parents, staff and Local Committee. The objective is to provide basic information about the function of the squadron and to inform cadets, parents and the local community about the Cadet Program and various events that will be taking place.